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EPL: Forest in second behind rampant LiverpoolMinisters have been warned that efforts to save the NHS and grow the economy will fail unless they tackle the housing crisis, as a damning report reveals millions of people are living in substandard homes that risk worsening their health. In total, 4.5 million people aged 50 or above with an existing health condition in England are living in poor-quality housing with one or more problems such as rising damp, rot or decay that may be making them even sicker, the Centre for Ageing Better analysis found. Of those, 1.7 million are aged 70 or over. Keir Starmer has promised to reduce NHS waiting times and make the UK the fastest-growing major economy by the end of Labour’s first term in government. But ministers have been told that the drive to stabilise the health service and deliver sustained economic growth will flop unless the country’s subpar housing stock is urgently improved. Dr Carole Easton, the chief executive of the Centre for Ageing Better, a charity tackling inequalities in ageing, said its report exposed how the housing crisis was putting millions of older people with health conditions “in harm’s way”. “This is obviously terrible for those individuals who live in homes that carry a very real risk of making them sick, particularly when winter comes around. “But it is also very bad news for the country. Older workers living in homes that are making their health conditions worse are going to be less likely to be able to work and help grow the economy. “Older people whose serious health conditions are made worse by their homes will require treatment, putting additional winter pressures on our health system. All could be averted if we tackled poor-quality housing with the urgency and priority it demands.” The report looked at people aged 50 and above with health conditions affected by substandard living conditions, including respiratory diseases, congestive heart failure, heart disease, neurological disease and lung conditions such as asthma. Housing problems identified included rising damp, water leaks, bad condensation, electrical or plumbing problems, rot and decay, being too cold in the winter, and structural issues. The analysis also uncovered significant inequalities. Almost half (46%) of black, Asian or minority ethnic people aged 50 or above with one of the health conditions specified had at least one problem with their home. This compared with about one in three (32%) white people. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion People aged 50 or over from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background and with a health condition were also twice as likely to have five or more problems with their housing compared with white people. Those aged 50 and above with a health condition negatively affected by poor housing conditions and with a significant issue in their own home were most likely to live in London (52%), followed by the north-east (35%) and the north-west (35%). Holly Holder, the deputy director for homes at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “No one should have to live in a home that damages their health, yet it is the norm for far too many people in England today. By failing to address poor-quality homes we are limiting the lives of some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people. “We are calling on the government to fix this hidden housing crisis by delivering a national strategy to tackle poor-quality housing across all tenures and committing to halving the number of non-decent homes over the next decade.” A government spokesperson said: “Despite the challenging inheritance faced by this government, through our ‘Plan for Change’ we’re taking action to improve housing conditions across all tenures and ensure homes are decent, safe and warm – especially for the most vulnerable.”
Transparency had only recently celebrated the finding by Brazil ’s federal prosecution service that claims it had sought to benefit from fines paid by companies to settle corruption cases were unfounded. But supreme court justice Dias Toffoli – who had instigated the original inquiry – decided to continue the investigation anyway. Transparency categorically rejects the claims it did anything wrong and dismisses the investigation as harassment. It believes it is being targeted because of its previous high-profile support for the anti-corruption effort that came to be symbolised by the historic Car Wash probe. “It is worrying but also a signal that we are on the right path,” says Bruno Brandão, the organisation’s executive director in Brazil. [ Rot at heart of Brazilian democracy exposed amid dark charges against Bolsonaro and military Opens in new window ] Transparency’s recent travails are an illustration of how the subsequent implosion of Car Wash, which uncovered evidence of multibillion-euro kickback schemes involving Brazilian companies, has seen the country’s fight against corruption go into reverse. The accusations made against Transparency have been levelled by Brazilian meat-processing giant J&F, one of whose owners infamously recorded himself on tape discussing bribes with then-president Michel Temer. J&F is now seeking the fines levelled against it after it confessed multiple crimes annulled. The case is before Toffoli who has declined to recuse himself even though his wife Roberta Rangel represents J&F. With most Brazilians no longer much interested in cases that once obsessed the nation, this conflict of interests causes little indignation. Brazil is a society that for now seems resigned to official impunity after the tumultuous heave against corruption of the last decade ended with the judges and prosecutors who led it in disgrace. Brazil’s supreme court had always been a somewhat reluctant supporter of Car Wash, forced to follow the path blazed by crusading judge Sergio Moro and the team of federal prosecutors in southern Brazil which targeted companies that won public contracts by paying kickbacks and the politicians who received them. [ Over 160 workers in ‘slavery-like conditions’ found at BYD factory site in Brazil Opens in new window ] Moro oversaw a sophisticated public relations campaign to win over public opinion and thus the space to pick holes in decades of jurisprudence that ensured the rich and powerful were rarely punished for wrongdoing. But the operation started to unravel after revelations in the media of illegal collusion between Moro and Car Wash prosecutors. This provided the supreme court the excuse to move against them under cover of correcting the errors and excesses it had tolerated when Moro enjoyed the status of national hero. “Did the crimes revealed by Car Wash happen? Of course they did. Nobody doubts there was a corruption scheme involving some of Brazil’s biggest companies and political parties. Car Wash revealed so much,” says Eloísa Machado de Almeida, professor of constitutional law at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in São Paulo. “But the judiciary missed its opportunity to make Car Wash a great example of the republican application of the law. It was a great chance for the country to rethink all these [corrupt] practices. But it was a huge waste as Car Wash collapsed because of its own errors.” While acknowledging the operation’s errors, Transparency’s Brandão sees an alternative explanation for the supreme court’s move against Car Wash. “In fact the operation was only liquidated when it reached the judiciary and threatened to reveal corruption among judges in the higher courts. The legislature and executive were unable to halt it. But the judiciary was.” [ Brazil’s president Lula leaves hospital after brain surgery Opens in new window ] Supreme court justice Toffoli is central to this interpretation of history. He has been the most prominent member of the supreme court in overturning convictions in lower court. This included his unilateral decision to annul evidence of wrongdoing provided by executives from the construction giant Odebrecht. Among the evidence tossed was an email in which Car Wash’s most notorious witness – Odebrecht’s president – asked two colleagues whether a deal had been reached with “the friend of the friend of my father”, whom he later told prosecutors referred to Toffoli, then Brazil’s attorney general. The shifting fates of Car Wash at the hands of a supreme court that appears more attentive to politics than jurisprudence also highlights the potential risks in the future for other high-profile cases, including the investigation into former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro for allegedly plotting a coup to overturn his defeat in 2022′s presidential election. This is because the process against Bolsonaro and his circle of serving and retired generals is being conducted by Toffoli’s supreme court colleague Alexandre de Moraes. In this role, he has taken on the task of lead investigator as well as judge in a case in which he also figures as one of the potential victims of the plotters, allegedly having been targeted for assassination. Critics have warned that this confusion of roles risks leaving the case open to similar charges of judicial overreach that Moro faced and could provide grounds for appeal and the eventual overturning of any future conviction. But in an echo of the euphoria that gripped the country when seeing powerful businessmen and politicians arrested for corruption, Moraes has become something of a national hero for facing down Bolsonaro’s coup-mongering, even among those on the left who denounced him as a “fascist” when he was first appointed to the court in 2017. He has shown no sign of recusing himself from the case and instead appears to be enjoying the protagonist role it has brought him. [ Man jailed for 10 years after admitting smuggling €21.6m cocaine on cargo ship from Brazil Opens in new window ] Moraes has already ensured Bolsonaro’s exclusion from running for public office until 2030 because of his public efforts to undermine the presidential election he lost in 2022. But the former president remains the biggest vote-getter on the right, and he and his circle have made clear they will seek the promise of amnesty from anyone seeking his endorsement in the 2026 presidential election. His supporters are also using Moraes’s handling of the cases against Bolsonaro as an excuse to launch impeachment proceedings against him. For now Bolsonaro and his coterie are facing almost certain trial, given the evidence federal police have already gathered of their coup-plotting. But a political swing back towards the right after 2026 could create the political conditions for the unwinding of another investigation that uncovered evidence of wrongdoing but in the shadow of accusations of judicial overreach. Standing in the way of the hard right’s hopes of a return to power is President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the country’s most popular politician of recent decades. He staged one of the great political comebacks, emerging from 580 days in jail after his conviction by Moro, to evict Bolsonaro from the presidency, benefiting from the supreme court’s move to kill Car Wash. But he will be 81 at the next election and a majority of Brazilians tell pollsters they do not want him to seek a fourth term. Without him, the race between left and right will likely be far more competitive. The future of the judicial cases facing Bolsonaro should not depend on the political weather. But in Brazil it almost certainly does.Tess Daly’s £6 ‘hero product’ that she swears by for flawless wrinkle-free skin – it leaves your face ‘supple & soft’
Century-Long Legacy: Assam's Rice Revolution
It’s not hard to understand the value tight end Josh Oliver brings to the Vikings. ADVERTISEMENT Just listen to the way people talk about him. “He’s an animal,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “Once he gets his hands on somebody, it’s kind of like, ‘Good luck.'” It was similar sentiment from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. “He’s the best blocking tight end in the league, and that’s no disrespect to anybody else,” Phillips said. “We will take Josh over anybody in this league in the role that he’s in. It’s not only that he’s physically imposing as a 270-pound man. It’s the attitude that he plays with out there.” ADVERTISEMENT What are the Vikings losing now that Oliver has been ruled out with an ankle injury? His absence will be felt most when the Vikings try to run the ball against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. Though he has proved he can contribute in the passing game, Oliver has been a force in the running game since signing with the Vikings. There have been multiple times this season that Oliver had singlehandedly carved out space for running back Aaron Jones to go to work. That’s partially why Hockenson has played only about 50% of the offensive snaps since returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament a few weeks ago. Even if the Vikings are often telegraphing a run when Oliver is on the field, they don’t care because they feel that strongly about his ability as a blocker. “You see it every single week,” Phillips said. “He’s moving large men and putting them on the ground.” ADVERTISEMENT It’s safe to assume Oliver would suit up for the Vikings if he were able to do so. He’s been playing through a wrist injury for the past few weeks, for example, and has still been extremely effective at the point of attack. How tough is it to replace Oliver in a vacuum? “It’s a big challenge because of all the things he does on a snap in and snap out basis,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We will see some guys make some impacts on some different downs and distances than we have maybe seen up to this point.” ADVERTISEMENT The only other players on the injury report for the Vikings are tight end Nick Muse (hand) and edge rusher Gabe Murphy (knee). Both players were officially listed as questionable and being full participants in the walkthrough on Friday afternoon at TCO Performance Center. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .None
Las Vegas Raiders undrafted free agent might grimace when he sees the news the NFL just hit him withFirst Nations leaders are split over next steps after a landmark $47.8-billion child welfare reform deal with Canada was struck down, prompting differing legal opinions from both sides. The Assembly of First Nations and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society have received competing legal opinions on potential ways forward. Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict says the chiefs he represents are still hoping the agreement that chiefs outside the province voted down two months ago is not moot. Chiefs in Ontario are interveners in the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case that led to its realization. He added there are also concerns that some of the elements in the new negotiation mandate outlined by chiefs in an October assembly go beyond the current governance structure of the Assembly of First Nations. “There will have to be action by the Assembly of First Nations in the very near future to advance these positions, but you also need willing partners,” Benedict said. “We’re still considering what our options are.” Those options are also being debated in legal reviews commissioned by the Assembly of First Nations and a board member of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which are both parties to the human rights case, along with Nishnawbe Aski Nation. Khelsilem, a chairperson from the Squamish Nation who penned a resolution that defeated the deal in October, critiqued the stance of Ontario First Nations by saying they negotiated a “bad agreement” for First Nations outside the province and now that chiefs want to go back to the table for a better deal, they want to split from the process entirely. “It potentially undermines the collective unity of First Nations to achieve something that is going to benefit all of us,” he said. The $47.8-billion agreement was struck in July after decades of advocacy and litigation from First Nations and experts, seeking to redress discrimination against First Nations children who were torn from their families and placed in foster care. The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal said Canada’s underfunding was discriminatory because it meant kids living on reserve were given fewer services than those living off reserves, and tasked Canada with reaching an agreement with First Nations to reform the system. The agreement was meant to cover 10 years of funding for First Nations to take control of their own child welfare services from the federal government. Chiefs and service providers critiqued the deal for months, saying it didn’t go far enough to ensure an end to the discrimination. They have also blasted the federal government for what they say is its failure to consult with First Nations in negotiations, and for the exclusion of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, which helped launched the initial human rights complaint. In October at a special chiefs assembly in Calgary, the deal was struck down through two resolutions. The Assembly of First Nations sought a legal review of those resolutions by Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP — a firm where the former national chief of the organization, Perry Bellegarde, works as a special adviser. In the legal review from Fasken, it appears as though the assembly asked for direction on how to get “rid” of two resolutions used to vote down the deal, with an employee of the firm saying they can review the resolutions together if they want them both gone, or they can “leave room for compromise” with one of the resolutions. In a statement, the Assembly of First Nations said the review was conducted to assess the legal, technical and operational aspects of the resolutions to ensure their “effective implementation.” “The opinions formed by external counsel are their own and do not reflect the views or positions of the AFN,” said Andrew Bisson, the chief executive officer, who added it’s not unusual for the organization to seek such reviews. Bisson did not address the language used by a Fasken employee to “get rid” of resolutions, but said “the legal and technical reviews were conducted in good faith, not to undermine the chiefs’ direction. The chiefs have provided clear direction, and the AFN is committed to following that direction.” The legal reviews from Fasken, dated Nov. 15, argue that the October resolutions on child welfare require a significant review of who voted for them, along with changes to the organization’s charter should they be implemented. Resolution 60 called for a rejection of the final settlement agreement, and for the establishment of a Children’s Chiefs Commission that will be representative of all regions and negotiate long-term reforms. It also called for the AFN’s executive committee to “unconditionally include” the Caring Society in negotiations. Fasken said that commission is contrary to the AFN’s charter, and the law, because the AFN’s executive committee doesn’t have the power to create one, and that the executive committee “alone” has the authority to execute mandates on behalf of the assembly. It adds there are no accountability measures for the new negotiation body, and that it will represent regions that are not participants in the AFN. Resolution 61, which built upon resolution 60, is similarly against the charter for the same reasons, the review says. As such, it says, the resolutions can’t be implemented. The firm also wrote that there were alleged conflicts of interest during the October vote, saying “numerous proxies were also employees, shareholders, directors, agents or otherwise had a vested interest” in the First Nations child and family service agencies whose interests were the subject of the resolutions. Chief Joe Miskokomon of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation in southwestern Ontario called that “political deception.” In response to that review, a board member of the Caring Society, which has been a vocal critic of the July deal, sought their own. The review penned by Aird Berlis for Mary Teegee and dated Dec. 2 stated it was “inappropriate for the AFN to seek, and not disclose, legal opinions which are then cited to attempt to second-guess decisions already made by the First Nations in Assembly.” It also states that while the AFN’s vice-president of strategic policy and integration, Amber Potts, raised concerns with the movers and seconders of the resolutions, the entirety of the legal opinion the assembly sought was not shared with them. Teegee’s review challenges that of the AFN’s by saying the resolutions are consistent with the AFN’s charter, and that nothing restricts First Nations in assembly from expressing their sovereign will by delegating authority to another entity. “AFN’s role and purpose at all times is to effect the sovereign will of First Nations, however it is expressed, on ‘any matter’ that they see fit,” the review from Aird Berlis reads. “It is too late to attempt to question the resolutions. They are now final.”Bridging the Gap: How Kirkwood Community College Blends Traditional Degrees and Job-Specific Training to Serve Our CommunityMinister for Sugar Charan Jeath Singh and Opposition Member of Parliament Ketan Lal, who were both at the COP 29 meeting in Baku have exchanged harsh words on social media. Mr Lal stated despite pushing his way into the delegation at the last minute, after it had already been finalized, Mr Charan’s presence in Azerbaijan added little value to Fiji’s efforts. “He traveled in business class, with stopovers in Sydney and Dubai, all at the expense of taxpayers, yet only managed to attend two side events during the entire trip in Baku Azerbaijan,” said Mr Lal. “Even more troubling is that his speeches at these events were written by the same hardworking staff who were tirelessly negotiating on Fiji’s behalf until the early hours of the morning.” Mr Lal claimed Mr Singh was “lost and found” during the whole conference. “This is a blatant misuse of government funds and resources. Minister Charan not only wasted taxpayers’ money but also collected a hefty allowance for what amounted to a ceremonial appearance.” Mr Singh also posted a rebuttal on social media, stating “I am not like you here as a lapdog of another political party wasting Fiji’s taxpayers fund.” “By the way I didn’t even hear you on any side events at this COP29.” “You should be ashamed of traveling on the strength of Peoples Alliance majority led Government.’ “Please refund all your air ticket and per diem claims to the state if you walk your talk.”
A butterfly collector in Africa with more than 4.2 million seeks to share them for the future NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — What began as a childhood hobby more than six decades ago has led to what might be Africa’s largest butterfly collection in a suburb of Kenya’s capital. Steve Collins has a collection of 4.2 million butterflies representing hundreds of species. Now, running out of space and time, he hopes to hand it over to the next generation. One expert familiar with Collins and his work suggests that the collection should be digitized for global access. Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolved NEW YORK (AP) — Top ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday. That's after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans. The International Chess Federation president said in a statement Sunday that he’d let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, as well as other "minor deviations” from the dress code. Carlsen quit the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships on Friday. He said Sunday he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship. 'Sonic 3' and 'Mufasa' battle for No. 1 at the holiday box office Two family films are dominating the holiday box office, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” winning the three-day weekend over “Mufasa” by a blue hair. According to studio estimates Sunday, the Sonic movie earned $38 million, while “Mufasa” brought in $37.1 million from theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The R-rated horror “Nosferatu” placed third with an unexpectedly strong $21.2 million. Thanksgiving release holdovers “Wicked” and “Moana 2” rounded out the top five. Christmas Day had several big film openings, including the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” the Nicole Kidman erotic drama “Babygirl” and the boxing drama “The Fire Inside.” Charles Shyer, ‘Father of the Bride’ and ‘Baby Boom’ filmmaker, dies at 83 An Oscar-nominated writer and filmmaker known for classic comedies like “Private Benjamin,” “Baby Boom” and “Father of the Bride," Charles Shyer has died. He was 83. On Sunday his daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer told The Associated Press that he died Friday in Los Angeles. No cause was disclosed. Born in Los Angeles in 1941 to a filmmaker father, Shyer's big breakthrough came with co-writing “Private Benjamin” for which he and Nancy Meyers received an Oscar nomination. He and Nancy Meyers were frequent collaborators through their nearly 20-year marriage, including on the remake of “The Parent Trap," starring Lindsay Lohan. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Belgium will ban sales of disposable e-cigarettes in a first for the EU BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a groundbreaking move for European Union nations. Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke tells The Associated Press that the inexpensive e-cigarettes have turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine. Australia outlawed the sale of “vapes” outside pharmacies earlier this year in some of the world’s toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes. Now Belgium is leading the EU drive. Belgium's minister wants tougher tobacco measures in the 27-nation bloc. Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder, dies at 98 Charles F. Dolan, who founded some of the most prominent U.S. media companies including Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at age 98. Newsday reports that a statement issued Saturday by his family says Dolan died of natural causes. Dolan’s legacy in cable broadcasting includes founding HBO in 1972, Cablevision in 1973 and the American Movie Classics television station in 1984. He also launched News 12 in New York City, the first U.S. 24-hour cable channel for local news. Dolan also held controlling stakes in companies that owned Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the New York Knicks and New York Rangers sports franchises. Snoop's game: Snoop Dogg thrills the crowd in the bowl that bears his name TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Miami of Ohio beat Colorado State in the Arizona Bowl, but Snoop Dogg was the main attraction. The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop was much a spectacle as a football game. Snoop Dogg seemed to be everywhere all at once, from a pregame tailgate to the postgame trophy presentation. Snoop Dog donned a headset on Colorado State's sideline, spent some time in the broadcast and even led both marching bands as conductor during their halftime performance. Snoop Dogg saved the best for last, rolling out in a light green, lowrider Chevy Impala with gold rims and accents, the shiny Arizona Bowl trophy in his hand as fans screamed his name. Mavs star Luka Doncic is latest pro athlete whose home was burglarized, business manager says DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete whose home has been burglarized. The star guard’s business manager tells multiple media outlets there was a break-in at Doncic’s home Friday night. Lara Beth Seager says nobody was home, and Doncic filed a police report. The Dallas Morning News reports that jewelry valued at about $30,000 was stolen. Doncic is the sixth known pro athlete in the U.S. whose home was burglarized since October. Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati are among them. The NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to players over the break-ins. Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. And people began showing up almost immediately.
Leslie's swings to quarterly loss as higher costs drag profits; shares drop 20%